Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI

Total Enrollment

49,605

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

600

600 programs

Full-Time Students

34,278

2,519 part-time

Total FTE

41,909

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

4183
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
19153
Total Recent Graduates

With 49,605 students, University of Wisconsin-Madison is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 600 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 34,278 (93.2%)
93.2%
Part-Time Students 2,519 (6.8%)
Total Students 36,797

Predominantly full-time students (93.2%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (69.1%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
53.1%
26,326 students
Men
46.9%
23,279 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
57.3%
28,432 students
White
57.3% (28,432)
International Students
15.4% (7,625)
Asian
9.3% (4,591)
Hispanic/Latino
7.8% (3,880)
Two or More Races
4.4% (2,176)
Black/African American
2.7% (1,331)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (132)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (28)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 49,605 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 57% of the student body (28,432 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

36,797 students

47% Men, 53% Women
34,278 Full-time 2,519 Part-time
Diversity Index: 61% • Minority Students: 22%

Graduate students

12,808 students

47% Men, 53% Women
10,650 Full-time 2,158 Part-time
Diversity Index: 66% • Minority Students: 16%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

44,928
All full-time students
20,963 men, 23,965 women
Diversity: 63%

FT Undergraduate

34,278
Full-time undergraduate
15,980 men, 18,298 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Degree-Seeking

34,001
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
15,835 men, 18,166 women
Diversity: 61%

FT First-Time

7,937
Full-time first-time students
3,672 men, 4,265 women
Diversity: 63%

FT Continuing

26,064
Full-time continuing students
12,163 men, 13,901 women
Diversity: 60%

FT Transfer

1,075
Full-time transfer students
592 men, 483 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Continuing

24,989
Full-time other continuing
11,571 men, 13,418 women
Diversity: 60%

FT Non-Degree

277
Full-time non-degree seeking
145 men, 132 women
Diversity: 26%

FT Graduate

10,650
Full-time graduate students
4,983 men, 5,667 women
Diversity: 66%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

4,677
All part-time students
2,316 men, 2,361 women
Diversity: 60%

PT Undergraduate

2,519
Part-time undergraduate
1,324 men, 1,195 women
Diversity: 59%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,664
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
919 men, 745 women
Diversity: 56%

PT First-Time

27
Part-time first-time students
8 men, 19 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

1,637
Part-time continuing students
911 men, 726 women
Diversity: 56%

PT Transfer

54
Part-time transfer students
22 men, 32 women
Diversity: 59%

PT Continuing

1,583
Part-time other continuing
889 men, 694 women
Diversity: 56%

PT Non-Degree

855
Part-time non-degree seeking
405 men, 450 women
Diversity: 65%

PT Graduate

2,158
Part-time graduate students
992 men, 1,166 women
Diversity: 60%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

22,032
White
980
Black/African American
3,027
Hispanic/Latino
3,812
Asian
3,904
International
Diversity Index: 61% Minority Students: 22%

Graduate students

6,400
White
351
Black/African American
853
Hispanic/Latino
779
Asian
3,721
International
Diversity Index: 66% Minority Students: 16%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About University of Wisconsin-Madison's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 49,605 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (69.1%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 41,909 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 41% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

500 Lincoln Dr

Madison, WI 53706-1380

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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